Old Coaly exhibit gets a refresh to mark Coaly Society’s 75th anniversary

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Old Coaly gave Penn State a new look when the mule helped construct the original Old Main in 1857, becoming an unofficial mascot of the young college. Now, the display honoring him in the HUB-Robeson Center has gotten a makeover of its own.

A ceremony recognized the student-led effort on April 23, unveiling the new updates to the display while also celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Coaly Society at Penn State. Old Coaly’s skeleton is now accompanied by a new background, new lighting and an updated narrative explaining his role in the early days of the University.

The Coaly Society — an honorary leadership society for College of Agricultural Sciences students who have demonstrated leadership excellence — was founded in 1951 and named after the beloved mule.

Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, said he was pleased to participate in the celebration, which connected the college’s past with its future.

“I am grateful for the Coaly Society and this group of student-leaders who are dedicating their time to preserve critical history and help tell the story of Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences,” he said. “They embody our values of preserving the very best traditions of Penn State while continually renewing and reimagining our approach. I am grateful for the support from Mike and Diane Katzaman for helping make this restoration possible and ensuring that Old Coaly, will remain a treasured part of our Penn State story.”

Lori Connelly, director of experiential learning and career services in the College of Agricultural Sciences, and adviser to the student organization, said the project began more than a year ago when members of the Coaly Society decided that the best way to celebrate the upcoming anniversary was to enhance their namesake.

“Coaly is a beloved symbol that represents a tradition of leadership and service,” she said. “The society was named after Coaly because he shared notable characteristics to which student leaders aspire: strength, steadiness, long-service and loyalty. I’m so proud of our students for leading this effort from conceptualization to execution.”

Old Coaly was born in 1855, the same year that the original Farmer’s High School that would eventually become Penn State was chartered. He came from Kentucky to Penn State, where he helped haul limestone blocks to the Old Main construction site.

After the building’s completion, the University bought the hardworking black mule. He spent the remaining decades of his life working on the campus and its surrounding farms, becoming beloved by students in the process. When he died in 1893, his skeleton was preserved for posterity.

Sara McNichols, a fourth-year animal science major graduating this spring, said she wanted to become involved in the project to become more involved as a Coaly Society member.

“I saw it as a way to give back to the society, and to the College of Agricultural Sciences in general, because Coaly is such an important symbol of the college but also to Penn State,” McNichols said. “So for me, it was a perfect door that was opened as I approached graduation.”

McNichols dug in, helping with outreach efforts to raise funds for the effort. She also analyzed existing histories about both the Coaly Society and Old Coaly himself, helping to pull together a new and updated narrative to include in the display.

For the changes to the display itself, the project relied on the expertise of Rita Graef, director of the Pasto Agricultural Museum and Armsby Respiration Calorimeter, and her team at the museum. They also received support of the HUB Robeson Gallery staff for help with the final design and installation.

“The display now has a new backdrop featuring a large reproduction of an early photo of Coaly when he worked on the college farms,” Graef said. “New LED lighting will replace the halogen lamps, casting a warmer glow on the skeleton while giving off less heat. An updated narrative will also connect Coaly to Penn State’s founding as the Farmers High School and Land Grant Mission.”

Sarah Beaver, a third-year student majoring in agricultural and Extension education, helped organize and coordinate the celebration. Through building invitation lists, planning what the event space would look like and coordinating with staff at the HUB, she said she was always focused on making the reception a special time, marking a moment in history.

“It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of a project that will connect people to Penn State's heritage, as well as highlight the college's impact on the University as a whole,” Beaver said. “It was wonderful to connect with peers, faculty, alumni – and to pull everyone together for the milestone.”

McNichols echoed her sentiments, citing connecting with people she otherwise wouldn’t have was a highlight of the project.

“I truly enjoyed meeting with the donors, who were both so nice and shared many wonderful stories with us,” she said. “Meeting with Rita, and experts across the University, who offered their knowledge to us, was amazing. I learned so much from them.”

Graef said the work done in this first phase was also an opportunity to take a closer look at the skeleton to assess its condition, and that this analysis will help plan for future preservation efforts and fund raise for new mounting and casework.

The Coaly Society and the College of Agricultural Society would like to thank Mike and Diane Katzaman, whose support made the restoration and exhibit development possible.